The Incredible Adam Spark Author: Alan Bissett Publisher: Headline Book Publishing 310 pp 7.99 pounds Reviewed by: Beatrice Watson First of all I had to read this book a couple of times, and then some more, to get the gist of it because it is written in Scottish vernacular. However, it was a delightful read once I got the rhythm of it. The main character, Sparky is lovable, and the setting interesting--the story is set in a place called Falkirk, where the annual Falkirk festival (what else would it be called?) is taking place. Sparky is there with his older sister, Judy, and suddenly it seems as if he is in another world. You are drawn into his world very easily and with much clarity. The writer is excellent at painting pictures with words. That was quite a treat. One could imagine what Sparky was all about and could even predict what he will be doing from time to time as one reads the passages. For example, here is the description when Sparky is taken to the hospital because of an accident: Ambyoolance well it hauls me off to falkirk royal infirmary, nee naw nee naw, nee naw. July sittin there shakin her head saying adam what were you thinking about? Runin ontay the park with all them guys chargin round?
Sparky is portrayed as a simpleton, a young man with a vivid imagination who believes he has superpowers. This notion stemmed from an unfortunate accident he suffered while trying to save someone. In other words, Sparky is a hero! However, it might not have been so special had Sparky not had a disability. Apparently he was a slow learner and was taken for granted. This story reminds me of the film version of The Wizard of Oz, where the character played by Judy Garland slips into a dream and has a wonderful experience of living in another world. In Sparky’s situation, after he is hurt trying to save a child, he wakes up in hospital to find he now has superpowers. Sparky uses those powers to continue to help people. Everyone thinks he is great because he can help them. Unfortunately, Sparky also apparently forgot a lot of important things while he was in the hospital. For example, he appeared to have forgotten he had a girlfriend. Her name was Bonnie. Here is another sample of emotive, sharp and crisp language, about her: On a walk with bonnie by the canal tweet tweet. Hand in hand. A Sunday afternoon none of us with work today so hey. Lets go babe! Bonnies talking bout love, how it makes her feel foolfilled feel full how she usedtay fancy all these guys at school they never fancied her back. Tut. Sparky has a sister who was saddled with taking care of him after his parents died--now she wants to live her own life with her girlfriend. Starky was upset that his sister was a lesbian but he came around in the end. As you can see, this novel addresses all kinds of subjects, from American Politics to sexual orientation, all through the eyes of the Falkirk Superhero (who is actually a worker in a fast food restaurant). It is difficult to know at times whether Sparky is in a dream or whether what is happening around him is for real, but that is also what keeps the book moving and interesting. I was pulled to the end without skipping passages, afraid I might miss something important. This is a great read and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for something out of the ordinary. There was a surprise ending (no spoilers here!) which and I thought it was well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this book--but this is not a book you read once and put down. It keeps calling to me, and I feel I have to read it again to get even more out of it. You’ve seen the quotes, but do not be put off by the writing style. It unravels itself because words and phrases are repeated several times and after a while you read it as you would any other language.
Last update : 01-03-2008 14:05
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